September 10, 2008

Dear Reader Column 09-10-08

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Dear Reader,

Flat Stanley came to visit yesterday and I've been smiling ever since. Sandra Anderson, a teacher at North Liberty Elementary School, reads my column every day and she invited me to join in her second graders' Flat Stanley Project. Flat Stanley, the main character in a children's book written by Jeff Brown, becomes as flat as a piece of paper when his bulletin board falls on him in the middle of the night and he goes traveling on journeys. The Flat Stanley project gives kids a chance to practice writing and reading. (I've never read Flat Stanley, but my book is on order.)

Abigail, one of Ms. Anderson's students, sent me the nicest letter along with a Flat Stanley she made.

Dear Mrs. Beecher,

Hello! My name is Abigail. I am in Ms. Anderson's second grade class. I am excited to be your Flat Stanley buddy! Please take good care of Flat Stanley. He is a very nice boy. I want to tell you a little bit about myself. I am a beach girl. My favorite color is pink. I like books. I love chocolate. I have written some stories by myself. I know how to play the violin. I am pretty good, too!

I want to ask you a few questions. What is your favorite animal? How long have you known Ms. Anderson?

Thank you once more for being my flat Stanley buddy. I hope we will become friends.

Your pal, Abigail

P.S. Please remember to take Flat Stanley with you everywhere you go. He loves marble cheesecake.

My guest room was all cleaned up: sheets changed and fresh towels were waiting for Flat Stanley. I even cleaned out some dresser drawers so he'd have plenty of room to put his clothes away when he unpacked. But to my surprise Flat Stanley travels light. He only had the clothes on his back, no swimming trunks, he even forgot his pajamas. So one of the first things we did was go shopping.

Unfortunately we bought so many new clothes for Flat Stanley that he hurt his back helping me carry all of the packages. But not to worry, Flat Stanley and I went to see the chiropractor and I'm happy to report Dr. Al fixed Flat Stanley's back and mine, too. And Dr. Al didn't even charge Flat Stanley when he discovered that he didn't have health insurance. Dr. Al said since Flat Stanley was my guest and a tourist in Florida, there would be no charge.

I'll keep you posted on Flat Stanley's visit. He's only been visiting for one day and already I can highly recommend opening your house and your heart to a Flat Stanley.

Comments

Suzanne: I read with you everyday and I am so happy to see Flat Stanley has visited you. I have 4 kids and my oldest did a Flat Stanley project when he was in 2nd grade also. He sent him to my sister down the Jersey Shore and she took pictures of him everywhere they went. The kids look forward to getting back the pictures and a letter from you. It is nice to read with you and see you involved in this student's education. Maureen

Hi Suzanne, Loved your adventures with Flat Stanley. many years ago when my granddaughter was much younger, she sent Flat Stanley to visit us. For the people who inquired about it, I think teachers can easily get Flat Stanley to their pupils so they can send him on his adventures.
Love the Killer Mousse.

Suzanne; I live and work in Kenya, I'm a hot air balloon pilot. I wanted to let you know that Flat Stanley went on a hot air balloon safari last year during the greatest migration on earth at the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Stanley even stood in as pilot for a few photos with his escort.
Thank you for putting a smile on my face. Hello to Stanley.